Machine Building

Why open industrial networks are essential for Smart Factories

The Factory of the Future - taking into account Industry 4.0 - is loaded with sensors and devices that record real-time processes and statuses across the factory floor. A fast, efficient and reliable industrial network is key to successfully sharing and utilising the data being generated. The network architecture should be designed as an interconnected platform, able to link all the nodes together and provide both upstream and localised communication. John Browett, General Manager at CLPA Europe, explains why open industrial networks are fundamental components of the Smart Factory.

28th January 2019

How enhanced motion safety functionality improves machine safety

Warren Gourlay, UK and Ireland sales manager for industry and automation solutions at Wieland Electric, looks at reducing risks for machine operators by means of enhanced motion safety functionality.

28th January 2019

How virtual commissioning benefits system integrators

Every plant has its unique lifecycle, which sees both equipment and employees evolve over time. Industry 4.0 has expedited this evolution, with new technologies leading to increased productivity, improved efficiency and decreased costs. Here, Nick Boughton, digital lead at Boulting Technology, explains the concept of virtual commissioning and its benefits when installing new plant equipment.

24th January 2019

How to manage obsolescence in industrial control panels

Over the past 50 years, a growing number of industrial businesses have adopted computer-based automation systems. However, many of these systems are now nearing their official end-of-life and becoming obsolete, leaving engineers with the challenge of managing obsolescence effectively. Here, Maria Torrisi, business development manager at industrial automation expert JMartans Automation, explains how industrial plant managers can manage obsolescence in control panels.

23rd January 2019

How drives and automation meet the needs of modern warehouses

A modern warehouse operation must be fast, flexible and efficient. Choosing appropriate automation platforms - and automation partners - capable of meeting the challenges that this poses is clearly vital to its success, as Lenze's Marketing Communications Manager Neil Beaumont explains.

21st January 2019

Digital services from OEMs

Business models in machine manufacturing will change under the influence of Industrie 4.0. In future, digital services will become increasingly important alongside the sale and maintenance of machines and systems. Lenze is paving the way for this development with its Asset Management application. More software, more connectivity, more IT - these are the requirements linked to Industrie 4.0. Achieving these things means acquiring more components. But do they justify the outlay? Can the customer gain any economic benefit from them? Machine manufacturers often doubt it, because if we apply the traditional standards it does not add up.

18th January 2019

Logistics 4.0 is already reality

The cloud offers an infinite amount of storage space and computing power - but it first needs the right concepts and applications before it can become a genuine added value. As Lenze demonstrated at the Hannover Messe 2018 with a storage and retrieval unit, Logistics 4.0 is no longer a future dream, it is already reality. Data from the control, the drives and the sensors can already be transferred securely to the cloud with little effort.

15th January 2019

How to optimise handling systems for warehouses

For owners and builders of the machinery that keeps goods flowing in warehouses, the need for speed, flexibility, efficiency and reliability is now greater than ever. Paul Berry, Business Development Manager at Lenze, explains how to be smart when choosing components, technology platforms and providers to meet the challenge.

10th January 2019

Less is more: keeping complexity out of automation

Streamlined design of automation systems - adding functionality such as connectivity without increasing complexity - will help food processors move their operations towards a true "˜factory of the future'.

10th January 2019

What is the impact of robotics in food production?

According to research by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, almost a third of food processing operations already use robotics in their facilities. What's more, half of those surveyed said they will increase their level of automation in the next three to five years. However, not every food manufacturer is an automation convert. Nigel Smith, managing director of six-axis robot distributor, TM Robotics investigates why.

8th January 2019